Owner of Reàl, American Beverage Marketers, has teamed up with drinks consultant Giuseppe Gallo to create Bon Vivant Tonic Syrup.

Launching to the UK on-trade from mid-April, the bitter tonic syrup allows bartenders to create homemade tonic waters or can be used in cocktails.

Under development for almost two years, Bon Vivant Tonic Syrup is inspired by the original formula of the Dutch West India Company.

American Beverage Marketers and Gallo have developed the syrup in response to "demand from bartenders".

Bon Vivant is made using natural quinine from cinchona bark sourced from the Congo and lemons from California and Argentina.

According to American Beverage Marketers and Gallo, the citrus oils provide a refreshing, crisp flavour, while the quinine rounds off the syrup with a bitter finish at the end.

It is claimed the syrup (once diluted) is less sweet than pre-made tonic waters.

Gallo said: “We are very excited to be launching Bon Vivant Tonic Syrup to the on-trade, especially at a time when we have seen a trend for lower-ABV cocktails gain traction, as well as a more considered approach to alcohol-free offerings. Customers’ palates are also becoming more sophisticated with a return to classic cocktails such as the Negroni and bitter aperitivo style drinks, and the gin boom doesn’t show any signs of slowing.

“We have designed Bon Vivant Tonic Syrup in the hope that bartenders will be able to offer a more unique, authentic tonic water option, as well as opening up new flavour profile opportunities in mixed drinks.”

As well as the Gin & Tonic, the syrup is recommended for use in Amaro & Tonic, Vermouth & Tonic and Italicus & Tonic and as a cocktail ingredient it can be used instead of sugar in sour classics such as the Aviation or White Lady.